Hair Regeneration Methods Using Cells Derived From Human Hair Follicles and Challenges to Overcome

The article reviews current methods and challenges in hair regeneration using cells derived from human hair follicles, focusing on the complex interaction between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. It highlights the potential of dermal papilla (DP) and epithelial stem cells (Epi-SCs) in generating new hair follicles but notes difficulties due to gene loss during cell culture and insufficient cell numbers. Techniques such as 3D cultures, signaling pathway activation, and the use of small molecules or exosomes are explored to restore the hair-inducing ability of DP cells. Despite advancements, challenges remain in maintaining cell inductivity and creating a conducive microenvironment for hair growth, emphasizing the need for improved methods to achieve functional and cycling hair follicles using only human cells.